Dew Point Calculation Using Temperature and Humidity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dedicated dew point sensors are expensive and have non-zero uncertainty, making it challenging to effectively monitor and control dew point in building spaces, particularly in chilled beam cooling systems where condensation can damage sensitive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A computerized method using a processing circuit with temperature and humidity sensors to calculate dew point and associated uncertainties, determining a safety margin to prevent condensation by adjusting surface temperature or humidity levels, thereby avoiding the need for dedicated dew point sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated dew point sensors are used to monitor dew point, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of dew point sensing functionality by calculating dew point from temperature and humidity sensor data rather than using a dedicated physical dew point sensor. This computational approach replicates the measurement capability while avoiding the complexity and cost of specialized hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes standard temperature and humidity sensors perform the additional function of dew point measurement through mathematical calculation. These universal sensors already present in HVAC systems are leveraged to provide multiple measurement capabilities without adding specialized equipment
2Reliability
If dedicated dew point sensors are used, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replicates dew point sensing capability through computational methods using readily available temperature and humidity sensors, eliminating the need for expensive dedicated dew point sensors while maintaining monitoring reliability through mathematical derivation and uncertainty analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized dew point sensors with inexpensive, widely available temperature and humidity sensors. The computational approach uses standard components that are cost-effective and easily replaceable, achieving the same functional reliability at lower cost
3Productivity
If temperature of surface is reduced for cooling, then productivity is improved, but condensation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors calculated dew point and surface temperature, comparing them to determine condensation risk. The system provides feedback signals to adjust cooling operations, preventing condensation while maintaining optimal cooling efficiency through real-time parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of dew point and assessment of condensation risk before condensation actually occurs. By anticipating the condensation condition through mathematical prediction based on current temperature and humidity trends, the system can take preventive action to adjust surface temperature or humidity control before harmful condensation forms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for cost-effective and accurate maintenance of dew point levels, preventing condensation on cooled surfaces without the high costs and uncertainties associated with dedicated sensors.
Implementation Method 1
calculating the dew point using the temperature of the building space and the relative humidity
Implementation Method 2
Condensation or dew may occur on a surface when the temperature of the surface is lower than the dew point temperature of the air
Data Source
AI summary
A method of maintaining a temperature of a surface in a building space to be above a dew point of the building space includes calculating a dew point based on a temperature measurement and a relative humidity measurement. The method further includes estimating a safety margin associated with the dew point calculation, determining a minimum temperature of the surface, wherein the minimum temperature is a function of the dew point and the safety margin, and commanding a first component of a building automation system to adjust a current temperature of the surface to be greater than the minimum temperature.